What You Need to Do to Get a Colorado Permit

A Colorado driver's permit (called an Instruction Permit) is a document that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You cannot drive alone with a permit. To get one, you visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pay a fee. The whole process usually takes one visit if you bring the right documents.

Colorado issues permits to people age 15 and older. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign consent forms. The permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID to get a permit.
  • You will take a written knowledge test at the DMV office covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the process form before you can receive a permit.
  • The permit fee is $20.25 and the permit is valid for two years from the date of issue.
  • You can study for the test using the Colorado Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the DMV website or in print at any DMV office.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A school ID or library card does not count.

For proof of Colorado residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Colorado address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a vehicle registration. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

You must also provide your Social Security number or ITIN. Bring the Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before your DMV visit.

If You Are Under 18: Parental Consent Requirements

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the DMV office. They must be present when you explore and must sign the process form. The DMV will not issue a permit without this signature.

The parent or guardian does not need to bring documents of their own, but they should bring a photo ID so the DMV can verify their identity. If the guardian is not a parent, bring a court order or other legal document showing guardianship.

The Knowledge Test: What to Study and How to Pass

The written test covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and right-of-way rules. You will answer 25 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DMV office. You must score at least 80 percent (20 out of 25 correct answers) to pass.

Study the Colorado Driver Handbook, which covers everything on the test. You can read it free from the Colorado DMV website (dmv.colorado.gov) or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. The handbook is also available in Spanish. Read it carefully — the test questions come directly from the material in the handbook.

Common mistakes include not knowing the speed limits in school zones (20 mph when children are present), confusing right-of-way rules at four-way stops, and misidentifying road signs. Spend extra time on these sections when you study.

You get one chance to pass the test during your visit. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test.

DMV Office Locations and How to Schedule

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Colorado DMV website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day.

You do not need an appointment to get a permit in Colorado — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices offer online scheduling to reduce wait time. Check your local office's website to see if scheduling is available.

Bring all your documents in one visit. If you are missing even one required document, the DMV will not issue a permit and you will have to return another day.

The Permit Fee and Payment Methods

The Colorado Instruction Permit costs $20.25. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm.

The fee is non-refundable. If you lose your permit or it is damaged, you will pay another $20.25 to replace it.

What Happens After You Get Your Permit

Once you pass the test and pay the fee, the DMV will issue your permit on the spot. Your permit is valid for two years. During this time, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and holds a valid driver's license.

Colorado law requires that the licensed adult sit in the front passenger seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. while holding a permit.

When you are ready to take the driving test (the road test), you will schedule that separately at a DMV office. You must have held your permit for at least one day before you can take the driving test, but Colorado recommends at least 50 hours of practice, including 10 hours at night.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is not bringing all required documents in one trip. Check the list above before you go to the DMV. A utility bill that is too old (more than 60 days) or a photocopy instead of an original will send you home empty-handed.

Another mistake is not studying the handbook before the test. The test is not hard if you have read the material, but it is hard if you have not. Set aside time to read the handbook at least once before your visit.

If you are under 18, do not go to the DMV without your parent or guardian. The DMV will not process your process without them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a permit if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can use an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to show proof of your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. If you do not have either, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before your DMV visit.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Most people pass on the second try if they study the handbook between attempts.

How long does a permit last?

Your Colorado Instruction Permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. If your permit expires before you pass the driving test, you will need to get a new one by visiting the DMV again and paying another $20.25 fee.

Can I practice driving at night with my permit?

No. Colorado law does not allow permit holders to drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You can only practice during daylight hours and early evening. This restriction lifts once you pass the driving test and receive your license.

Do I need to schedule an appointment to get a permit?

No appointment is required in Colorado — you can walk into any DMV office during business hours. Some offices offer online scheduling to reduce wait time. Check your local office's website to see if that option is available.